Clonmacnoise A 1,500 year old abbey and the spirit of its ancient spirituality pervades this area. You’ll see to the heart of Ireland’s Golden Age of learning.
Kilbeggan Distillery Learn the fascinating stories of the Locke family and enjoy a tipple of their finest whisky whilst you’re at it. The oldest licensed distillery on Earth has something for history buffs, whisky connoisseurs and thirsty amateurs!
Blarney Castle Kiss the famed Blarney Stone amidst the walls of this impressive medieval stronghold.
Kinsale Dive into the vibrant colours of this historic port town, where so much is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
The Wild Atlantic Way Discover the rugged beauty of one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world.
Cobh and the Titanic Delve into the mystery and history of this coastal town, the last port of call for Irish emigrants on the famous ship’s ill fated maiden voyage.
Waterford Set forth for tales of conquest and pillage in Ireland’s oldest city, founded by 9th century Vikings.
Kilkenny Castle Survey the dominant and unmistakeable three walled castle whilst roaming its splendid grounds.
Rock of Cashel With over 1000 years of history, this Irish icon is a must for any history-lover.
Wicklow Mountains Soar to Ireland’s most impressive peaks then dive into its profound valleys, all carved by ancient glaciers.
Glendalough Be awed by the “Valley of the Lakes”. Wander its wildly beautiful trails or explore the renowned monastery with its rounded tower.
Cliffs of Moher Behold an awe-inspiring 700ft drop into the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Dingle Peninsula Glorious beaches merge with traditional Irish scenery in this land of Gaelic mystery and towering forts.
The Burren This national park is home to some of Ireland’s most profound spiritual and natural culture.
And as you travel through the island you can’t help but relate the unique music to the remarkable landscapes and stories.
So, on this tour we let you discover the Ireland that inspired the music. You’ll immerse yourself in the tuneful tales of Blarney Castle, the melodious flavours of Kilbeggan's Distillery, and the lyrical legends of the wonderful people of Ireland.
You’ll return home with a head full of delightful sights, fascinating stories, and majestic melodies.
Starts
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin,
Finishes (approx.)
18:30 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin,
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs)
of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag
(approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
Important information
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- This tour combines two of our trips. This means you swap your bus, guide, and a few of your friends during the journey.
- Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
Tour inclusions
- All ferry and bridge crossings
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Tour exclusions
- Tour accommodation
- Attraction entry tickets
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
Day 1
- Savour the sights and tastes of the oldest licensed distillery on Earth at Kilbeggan Distillery
- Revere the magnificent 1,500 year old abbey of Clonmacnoise
- Delve into the hubbub of Galway City’s bustling bars and lively restaurants
Leaving Dublin, you head west through the farmlands and peat bogs of County Kildare and Offaly. Kilbeggan Distillery is your first stop, and here you have time to relax with a glass of their famed whiskey.
After a drink (or two!), you head to the banks of the mighty River Shannon and the ruined abbey at Clonmacnoise. Home to a large collection of stone crosses, ancient churches and inimitable round towers, this holy site offers an insightful glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual past.
You then lunch at a traditional pub in one of the area’s pretty villages before travelling to Galway City, your home for the first night. It’s a city with a lively atmosphere and excellent restaurants and bars.
Day 2
- Roam the Burren, home to some of Ireland’s most profound spiritual and natural experiences
- Marvel at the steep Cliffs of Moher and the stunning 700ft drop into the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
- Relax with traditional Irish music in the atmospheric pubs and bars of Killarney
A short drive along the coast from Galway City lies the Burren, one of Ireland’s national treasures. It’s home to one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland and broad limestone pavements and rare flora.
After time to explore the area, you travel to Kilfenora, the “town of the crosses”. You can visit the town’s fabulous ancient cathedral before we stop for lunch in one of the area’s charming villages.
You then head to the incredible Cliffs of Moher. Walk the stunning cliff trails as seabirds swoop through the clear air above you. And learn about the unique ecosystem in the excellent and award winning environmental exhibition nearby.
The tour then moves south through County Clare, passing its famous golf course on the way to the picturesque beach at Lahinch. From here you board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to the lakeside town of Killarney. This energetic, charming area will be your base for the next three nights, so take your time sampling the superb collection of traditional pubs and live music.
Day 3
- Traverse the Dingle Peninsula, famous for its scenery and Gaelic culture
- Wander ancient forts and religious sites of the past at Slea Head
- Stroll the beautiful length of Inch Beach on your way to Dingle
Today, your tour explores the fabulous Dingle Peninsula. Your first stop is Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand stretching out into the Atlantic. Venturing down the narrow roads away from the beach leads you through the town of Dingle.
You continue towards Slea Head, an area loaded with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings. The impressive views of the nearby Blasket Islands make this an excellent spot for panoramic photos. If the weather is pleasant, you can ramble along the beaches and cliff tops to fully appreciate the incredible vistas.
Arriving back amidst the brightly coloured houses and jolly harbour of Dingle, you can spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying delicious seafood in this idyllic setting. In the evening, you head back to Killarney, with time for an evening stroll in the National Park that encapsulates the town.
Day 4
- Tour the world renowned Ring of Kerry, hailed globally for its incredible scenery and cultural heritage
Today, you explore the Ring of Kerry, a spectacular route through some of Ireland’s most visually spectacular areas.
You head out in the morning, stopping first at Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. After snapping some shots of its rugged majesty, you join the scenic coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells on the way to Cahersiveen. Possible stops include the site of “The Liberator of Ireland” Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace and an impressive ring fort outside Portmagee.
You stop for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmagee. Alternatively, you can have a quick snack and head to the island of Valentia for a visit to the Skellig Experience. This excursion teaches you about the ancient community of monks who made the outcrop of rocky islands their home.
In the afternoon, there’s a photo stop in Charlie Chaplin’s “home away from home” at Waterville, before enjoying fine views at the top of Coonmakista pass.
Winding down from the peaks, you head to Derrynane House, home of the family O’Driscoll. Daniel O’Driscoll holds a special place in Irish hearts, as an emancipating force from colonial rule. Enjoy a walk in the scenic gardens here, as well as a visit to the main house.
Continuing along the Ring, you stop at Moll’s Gap and the Ladies View. Stroll a short way from here to the Torc Waterfall before heading back to Killarney. (On some tours, days three and four are switched).
Day 5
- Kiss the famed Blarney Stone within the walls of the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle
- Soak up the beauty and peace of the coastline town of Kinsale
Heading east through the mountains of West Cork, you weave along the Lee Valley until you reach Blarney Castle. You have time here to take in the castle grounds, and maybe kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of the gab”!
After storming the castle, you pass along the beautiful coastline south of Cork before arriving in Kinsale, where your driver will drop you off for the rest of the day. This charming little fishing village is your overnight stop before joining part two of your tour tomorrow, so you can take in the delights of the “gourmet capital of Ireland”, with its first-rate local restaurants and lively pubs. Savour your free afternoon and evening whilst exploring the narrow streets and brightly coloured houses around your accommodation.
Day 6
- See where the Titanic made its last fateful port of call before its ill-fated maiden voyage
- Follow the rugged “Copper Coast” to Waterford, Ireland’s most ancient city
- Discover Ireland’s Viking heritage or marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship at the famous Waterford Crystal factory
Leaving Kinsale in the morning, you make your way to the historic port town of Cobh. The major departure point for Irish emigration for the 19th and 20th centuries, this was the last port of call for the Titanic on its infamous maiden voyage. After unearthing the stories from Ireland’s past, you head east along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark famed for its beauty and intricate histories.
You continue until you reach Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in the 9th century. Survey the wondrous craftsmanship at the Waterford Crystal factory, explore the selection of fine museums or wander the Viking Triangle on foot.
In the late afternoon, you travel north away from Waterford and over to Kilkenny, a vibrant city with an impressive castle and parklands where you stay for the evening. With riverside trails, the National Craft Centre and a thriving pub and restaurant culture, you are certain to see why it was voted Ireland’s friendliest city.
Day 7
- Roam Kilkenny Castle and its impressive craft centres
- Traverse the Wicklow Mountains and the majestic national park, known as “the Garden of Ireland”
- Witness the ancient structures at Glendalough, from the distinct high crosses to the 6th century monastic site
In the morning, you have free time in Kilkenny and its superb castle. Match the calm pace of life in the charming town centre and its fine craft centres. You then head north into the Wicklow Mountains, where the National Park will impress you with its steep granite mountains and captivating green paths. The famous valleys open up before you, carved by ancient glaciers. You follow winding paths that lead to Glendalough, site of an awe-inspiring 6th century monastery at the heart of the park’s woodland trails. This offers a perfect opportunity for photography, from the verdant natural setting to the much admired round tower of the monastery.
After this, you head through the centre of the National Park to cross the famous Sally Gap, before descending the short distance back to Dublin.
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay one night in Galway*, three nights in Killarney, one night in Kinsale and one night in Kilkenny.
*Please note there are limited hotel options in Galway and the prices are above average in peak season. Additionally, if you book on the weekend, accommodation may be limited to Hotels or other expensive options.
How can I book accommodation?
Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.
Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.
Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.
How much will the accommodation cost?
We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.
As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:
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Approximate prices, per person per night
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Overnight Location
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Sole Occupancy
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Multiple Occupancy
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(1 person per room)
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(2+ people per room)
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B&B Standard
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£80 - £120
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£60 - £80
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UK & Northern Ireland
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€80 - €120
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€60 - €80
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Ireland
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B&B En-suite
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£100 - £150
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£80 - £110
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UK & Northern Ireland
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€100 - €150
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€80 - €110
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Ireland
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Hotel
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£155 - £255
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£100 - £160
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UK & Northern Ireland
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€130 - €235
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€100 - €150
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Ireland
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NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)
Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all scheduled packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 56 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click
here
to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our
terms and conditions
for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email
tours@rabbies.com
, or check out our full
FAQs
.
Children
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs)
of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag
(approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
